At the Gelati Residence, over thirty students from Akaki Tsereteli State University and high school students came together to discuss:
- How can we talk about difficult topics without losing the ability to listen and understand?
- How can we prevent conflict and avoid unnecessary tension?
This workshop wasn’t just about theory - far from it!
Participants shared real-life stories and personal experiences, engaging in open, and at times, intense and emotional conversations.
One student shared their reflection:
“In today’s reality, where widespread gender stereotypes and misinformation hinder the advancement of equality in society, it’s crucial to develop effective ways of dealing with them. For many people, these stereotypes are a part of daily life, and without proper communication, they’re nearly impossible to change. Navigating tough conversations in a constructive way is essential. I believe workshops like this really help strengthen these skills and empower us to challenge gender stereotypes more effectively.”
On April 3, via Zoom, 67 students from 10 municipalities in western Georgia (Chokhatauri, Kobuleti, Tskaltubo, Kutaisi, Khoni, Terjola, Samtredia, Senaki, Zugdidi, Tsalenjikha) participated in the workshop “How to Navigate Difficult Dialogues.” The session aimed to build skills for engaging in constructive conversations and avoiding conflict when speaking with people who hold different perspectives.
The main topics of the workshop included:
• Distinguishing between stereotypes, disinformation, and accurate information
• Five practical strategies for navigating difficult dialogues
• An interactive game: “How to Survive the Family Dinner” - https://survivefamilydinner.ge/how-to-play/
Even in an online format, the workshop was lively and interactive — students actively shared their personal experiences, asked questions, and reflected throughout the session.
“This was a powerful experience. I realized I can become the best version of myself and express my thoughts clearly. Now I feel confident to stand up for myself and for others who are being bullied. Thank you for creating such an interesting, impactful, and meaningful project!” — Student from Samtredia Municipality
The Women Fund “Sukhumi”, with the support of the Canada Equality Fund and the German organization Bread for the World, organized a conference on the topic: "Prevention of violence against women and response with a community-based approach - practice and impact mechanisms".
The conference was opened by Ekaterine Gamakharia, head of the Women Fund “Sukhumi” Tbilisi office. The chairperson of the Women Fund “Sukhumi”, Alla Gamakharia, greeted the participants with a welcoming speech. Tea Torinava, executive director of the organization, spoke about the Digital Resource Center - the experience of providing services and empowering women who have experienced violence.
The conference was attended by mobilizers of Women Support Centres from 10 municipalities, members of women's mutual assistance groups, para-specialists of social work and representatives of civil society organisations working on women's rights.
Two panel discussions were held. It was noted that 14 civil initiatives were financed in 10 municipalities, which contributed to the creation of a non-violent environment for women and children.
At the end of the conference, the founders of the organization - Alla Gamakharia, Mery Gelashvili and Nanuli Ramishvili recalled the 28-year history of the organization and charged the participants with motivation.
The Women Fund "Sukhumi" continues to work in direction of violence prevention and women empowerment.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The final meetings at the Youth Empowerment Centers were held with some changes. There were problems, but despite this, the youth were maximally involved in the training process. They noted that they learned a lot during the course, and their educational and technical skills improved, which will be useful for them in practice.
It was especially important for the youth to receive certificates confirming the completion of the course. New groups are in the process of actively formation.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The monitoring group of the Women Fund "Sukhumi" continued the cycle of information meetings with vulnerable groups. The meetings were held in Tskaltubo, Khoni, Samtredia, Terjola, Vani, Senaki, Zugdidi, Chokhatauri, Khobi and Tsalenjikha municipalities.
The meeting participants were provided with information about local and central programs existing in the country aimed at providing assistance and strengthening victims of violence, rehabilitation of children with autism spectrum.
Participants were also familiarized with a new brief monitoring report by the Women Fund “Sukhumi” - "Services of Support for Women Victims of Violence: Accessibility and Barriers". The report presents the results of the research concerning the access of women who have experienced violence, to support services and the attitude of the population towards them.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Preventing domestic violence, informing citizens about victim assistance services, supporting and empowering women - social work in Women Support Centers is actively continuing in this direction.
Ten families from the risk group were identified and redirected during the month. In the process of refereeing, the consulting services of a psychologist, lawyer, and rehabilitation center were actively used. The use of services becomes the basis for positive changes in the lives of beneficiaries.
During the information meetings, it is emphasized that the issue of informing and the need for support for women remains a priority.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The meetings identified problems in the relationship between parents and children. Parents talk about their children's behavioral problems, but children do not like the situation in their families.
As noted during the meetings, family stability is determined by the ability of family members to resolve conflicts constructively. Personality distortion is an ordinary condition in a family where is an atmosphere of threat, cruelty and conflicts reigns. Unfortunately, there are many dysfunctional families around us which have no strength to meet the needs of their family members in terms of their personal and spiritual growth.
The psychologist of the Women Fund “Sukhumi” held meetings at the Women Support Centers of Terjola, Samtredia, Vani, Tsalenjikha and Khobi. Her advice was useful for women, so they always look forward to the meetings.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Violence around us, our reactions to the rapist and the victim, mechanisms for protection and violence prevention - these and other issues are discussed by young actors and director Magda Chikhladze with the audience after the Forum Theatre performances.
The discussion reflects the attitude of society. And especially what else should be done to solve problems related to violence.
The Forum Theatre staged performances in Kutaisi and "forced" the audience to think about current issues.
In order for more people to see the performances staged by the Forum Theatre, it was decided to make a film. Work on the future film is currently underway.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
It is always interesting to work with people who need support and empathy in the current situation. These are the people who come to the rehabilitation center of the Fund “Sukhumi”. In March, there were women and minors here. There were children who are growing up without a mother. They need an individual approach. The center's employees carried out systematic work with the beneficiaries.
Psychologist Eka Kvachakidze notes: "The family plays a huge role in the formation of a child's aggressiveness. A person maintains a characteristic style of aggressive reactions over a long period of time. We encountered such problems in the process of work, but our efforts had a positive effect on the children. This is visible in their drawings."
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
